Swallow

Fáinleog

The swallow is one of Ireland's migrating birds. This means that it moves country during summer and winter. It spends the winter in Africa. From April to October it lives in Ireland.

Swallow in flight

Swallow in flight.

Copyright Mike Brown

Swallow in flight
Copyright Mike Brown

Swallow in flight

Swallow in flight.

Copyright Mike Brown

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Both the male and female swallows work together to make the nest. They use mud and plant parts to build it. They like to nest in barns, under bridges or on cliffs.

Did you know that swallows usually return to the same nest each year?

The swallow is an elegant looking bird. It is a glossy, blue colour on top and a red throat. It has a small band of blue-black across its front and is white underneath. Every swallow also has a very noticeable v-shaped tail. The female's tale is a little shorter than the male's.

The swallow is even able to fly low over the river and dip its beak into the water for a drink!